Toothache troubling you? These 7 home remedies will provide instant relief

We’ve all experienced a severe toothache at some point in our lives! Toothache is characterised by pain in and around the teeth and gums which can be because of tooth decay, an infection, loose or broken fillings, or receding gums. Any person can experience it but it is more common amongst those with poor dental hygiene. Now, a toothache is no fun and the worst part is that it can quickly move to your jaw and then your head. 

You can turn to home remedies to soothe the pain and discomfort! In case a toothache feels unbearable, you can use certain time-tested ingredients to bring about relief. You’ll be surprised to know how many things in your kitchen cabinet can do the job for you.

Here are seven home remedies to get rid of toothache:

1. Clove

Clove has been used since time immemorial to treat toothache. It has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Plus, it contains eugenol which is a chemical compound that acts as a natural anaesthetic. These properties help to numb nerves in the tooth and provide you relief from pain. You can place the clove in the mouth and chew it to ensure that it releases its oil. In addition, you can soak up a few drops of clove oil in a cotton ball and rub it over the affected area.

2. Saltwater gargle

Rinsing your mouth with warm salt water is generally a good oral hygiene practice. If you have a toothache and swollen gums, rinsing your mouth with warm salt water can help to loosen debris in cavities or between teeth. This may also reduce swelling and relieve a sore throat. 

3. Ice pack or cold compress

Use a cold compress or an ice pack to ease dental pain, especially if a toothache is due to swelling around the tooth or injury. Apply the ice pack to the affected area or keep the compress in place for 15 minutes at a time. Why does it work? It works because applying ice to the painful area can help to numb the pain.

4. Garlic

Garlic releases an antibacterial and antimicrobial compound known as allicin, an oily liquid, which is a natural disease fighter. This can provide relief from toothache. Make a paste out of crushed garlic and apply it to your tooth. You can also chew on a piece of fresh garlic clove. Another way to reap the benefit of garlic is to apply garlic oil to the affected area.

5. Peppermint tea

You can place a cold or warm peppermint tea bag on the area that aches in your mouth. This will help soothe your aching tooth and gums. Peppermint tea is considered to be good for toothache due to its bacteria-fighting properties. In addition, it contains menthol which helps in numbing tooth pain to a great extent.

6. Thyme

Thyme is known for its medicinal properties and is an effective remedy when it comes a toothache. Put a few drops of thyme essential oil and water on a cotton ball. Dab it on the affected area. Thyme is able to eliminate harmful bacteria in your mouth and reduce the risk of infection.

7. Turmeric

Turmeric is well known for its healing properties. It has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties which can relieve pain in case of infection. Add a few drops of water to a teaspoon of turmeric powder to make a paste. Now, apply it directly to the affected area in your mouth and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes before rinsing. It is easy to make and can temporarily ease your toothache.

While these home remedies may provide you temporary relief from toothache. But if the toothache doesn’t get better then you should visit your dentist.